One of my favorite places in Key West is our Seaport. The views are colorful and gorgeous with tall masts against the backdrop of blue sky and the creaking sound of boats pulling at their mooring lines. It’s really like walking through a postcard.

The thing I love about it is that it’s still a working Seaport. It’s not just something our city officials decided would be pretty for visitors, but working boats still come and go from their slips every day. On any given day, you can stroll along the boards and yes, you’ll see catamarans and schooners leaving or arriving from their snorkel or dolphin watching sails. You’ll also see local fishermen bringing in their catch to sell to one of our local fish markets or restaurants. (Another thing to know and love about Key West – the “catch of the day” really is the catch of the day)

It’s a lively and active place from early in the morning to well into the night. There are wonderful restaurants and bars with live music, the views are stunning and the locals are friendly.

It’s the setting for numerous events throughout the year celebrating our local maritime heritage. Our annual Holiday Boat Parade begins and ends here, and our version of New Years Eve Time Square ball drop is the descent of a “Pirate Wench” down the mast of one of our sail boats.

The Key West Seaport is a must see and do on your itinerary. It’s a wonderful backdrop for honeymoon photos and the memories will last a lifetime. Come visit us, it’s worth the trip!

Spring has officially sprung and the waters are warm again. This is about the time I ramp up my visits to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Key West has its share of beaches, but Fort Zach is a favorite among locals and return visitors. Not only is it a lovely beach and picnic area, it’s also one of three military forts that were used during the civil war.

The water is clear and if you go early in the morning, when things are still calm, you can see a variety of marine life while snorkeling from the shore.

This time of year also brings out children running through the sand toward the water with a bucket and shovel for just the right amount of water for a sand castle. The smell of sun screen and the sound of Pandora Radio are heavy in the air. It’s the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon.

If you walk around the edge of the beach, you’ll stumble upon some of the most beautiful views on the island. There are spots which can be reserved for private events and weddings and spots which you can use impromptu. Key West is the American Caribbean and a wedding at the park, with steel drums as accompaniment and the point where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean in the background is an unforgettable affair.

It’s the place where the Pirates first arrived in Key West and if you book passage on a schooner and see it from the sea, it’s easy to see why some people come back time after time. It’s no wonder we have such a rich history and cast of characters. It’s a unique and treasured State park. Come check it out.